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How could the Quarter Finals take shape at RWC 2023? The answer, in terms of how, is that top two from each pool will qualify for the Quarter Finals. In terms of who faces who the answer is that the pools will be split in A vs B and C vs D.
The draw for RWC 2023 resulted in both freshness and déjà vu. That is to say there are some new match-ups to look forwards to, but there is also some familiarity.
The familiarity happens to indirectly related to the Americas. Argentina and Americas 2 will compete in Pool D. The winner and runner-up of Pool D will advance to the quarter finals. There they will face qualifiers from Pool C.
The three confirmed Pool C participants know each other very well. Australia, Fiji, and Wales find themselves again in the same group. The pool also contains Europe 1 (likely Georgia) and the Final Qualifier Winner). If Los Pumas win Pool D they will face the runner-up of Pool C. If Argentina finish second in Pool D then they will face the Pool D winners.
Argentina has a difficult yet favorable pool when compared to RWC 2019. Argentina will again face England but will take-on Japan rather than France. A solid campaign will lead to a favorable quarter final. That is to say Argentina will avoid hosts France, New Zealand and reigning champions South Africa until the Semi Finals.
However, any talk of future opposition is premature. Argentina’s task will be focused on the pool; three wins is the minimum requirement.
If hosts France make it out of their pool they will face a Pool B opponent in the Quarter Finals. South Africa, Ireland, and Scotland are the three confirmed teams at present. If the top two from both pools qualify in that order then New Zealand would face Ireland and France would face South Africa.
RWC 2023 PLAY-OFF’S FORMAT
Quarter Final 1: Winner Pool C v Runner-Up Pool D
Quarter Final 2: Winner Pool B v Runner-Up Pool A
Quarter Final 3: Winner Pool D v Runner-Up Pool C
Quarter Final 4: Winner Pool A v Runner-Up Pool B
Semi Final 1: Winner Quarter Final 1 v Winner Quarter Final 2
Semi Final 2: Winner Quarter Final 3 v Winner Quarter Final 4
RWC 2023 Bronze Final: Loser Semi Final 1 vs Loser Semi Final 2
RWC 2023 Final: Winner Semi Final 1 vs Winner Semi Final 2
| POOL A | POOL B | POOL C | POOL D |
| New Zealand | South Africa | Wales | England |
| France | Ireland | Australia | Japan |
| Italy | Scotland | Fiji | Argentina |
| Americas 1 | Asia / Pacific 1 | Europe 1 | Oceania 1 |
| Africa 1 | Europe 2 | Final Qualifier Winner | Americas 2 |
